Chapter 174: Reunion

Surviving In A Martial Arts World To Become A Saint

The entire Sea Sand Sect martial training ground fell into a nearly frozen, deathly silence.

The sounds of wind and breathing seemed completely severed by that spear strike.

Hundreds of gazes were fixed dead on that figure standing with spear in the field, and on Chen Lin lying in a disheveled state over ten zhang away.

"Cough... cough cough..."

Chen Lin's violent coughing and heavy gasping sounded particularly jarring in this extreme quiet.

He struggled to prop himself up. All color had drained from his face, leaving only shock and disbelief.

After a brief deathly silence came an explosive eruption of commotion!

"Im... impossible! Senior Brother Chen Lin... defeated?!"

"Vast Sea Immeasurable... was... was broken by one spear strike?!"

"This Chen Qing... what kind of spear technique is that?! What kind of force is that?!"

The discussion surged like a breached dam, instantly crushing the silence of the martial training ground. The sound waves nearly lifted the sky.

Many disciples unconsciously crowded forward, craning their necks to see more clearly, their faces filled with immense shock and confusion.

Zhao Yun in the crowd had long lost all ability to think. Her mouth gaped wide enough to fit an egg as she gripped Zhou Yu's arm tightly.

"He... he defeated Senior Brother Chen Lin? Defeated 'Overturning Sea Sword' Chen Lin?!"

She murmured repeatedly, as if unable to comprehend the meaning of these words.

Zhou Yu was even more thunderstruck, standing dazed in place, her mind completely blank.

The young man before her eyes standing with spear, his presence as immovable as a mountain, overlapped yet violently clashed with the image deep in her memory of that youth silently training in the small courtyard, bringing an intensely extreme sense of vertigo and unreality.

Her heart pounded so wildly it nearly burst from her chest. An indescribable emotion mixed with shock and confusion wildly grew and spread in her heart.

In the front row core disciple area, there was similarly an atmosphere of shock.

Mao Cheng unconsciously tightened his grip on the saber hilt. His palms were covered in cold sweat. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down once, his eyes full of wariness.

"Such... such a domineering spear strike! Mountain momentum... he actually practiced spear technique to the realm of condensing 'momentum'?!"

The composure on Shao Wenxuan's face had long vanished. His expression was grave as water, his gaze locked tight on Chen Qing's movement of withdrawing his spear, as if trying to discern some mystery from it.

"Not just 'momentum.' His physical strength, his grasp of timing, and that flesh and blood control that dissolved the Vast Sea true qi... This person is definitely a monster secretly cultivated by the Five Terraces Sect!"

Even Mo Xia's pupils contracted slightly at this moment. She saw deeper than others, "Not just strength... his capture of battle opportunities. Chen Lin's defeat is not unjust."

She murmured softly, her tone carrying unprecedented gravity.

On the high viewing balconies, those several Sea Sand Sect elders who had quietly appeared also showed varying expressions.

An elder with completely white hair and beard paused his hand stroking his beard in mid-air, brilliant light flashing in his eyes, "Mountain Suppressing Prison Spear... someone can actually practice out 'mountain momentum' at this age? The Five Terraces Sect... has hidden very deeply!"

Another middle-aged elder with a stern expression snorted coldly, "Hmph, that old fellow Shen Xiuyong brought someone here to make a show of force! Qiao Hongyun has truly lost great face this time!"

Yet another person's gaze was profound as he said in a low voice, "This person is absolutely not a fish in a pond. Yunlin Prefecture... is about to produce a remarkable figure. Pass down the word to re-evaluate the Five Terraces Sect, especially all intelligence on this Chen Qing!"

In the main seat, the muscles on Qiao Hongyun's face twitched slightly. The relaxed attitude of bantering with his old friend earlier had completely vanished, replaced by a trace of astonishment.

He unconsciously glanced at Wu Hui beside him.

The smile on Elder Wu Hui's face had long completely disappeared. Her expression was calm as still water, clearly relying on powerful psychological fortitude to maintain composure.

She obviously hadn't anticipated this result either. Chen Lin's defeat greatly exceeded her expectations and left the Sea Sand Sect's face somewhat embarrassed.

Shen Xiuyong took in Qiao Hongyun's reaction completely. His heart was incomparably pleased, but he forcibly maintained his composure on the surface, clearing his throat lightly, "Cough cough, young people sparring, victory and defeat are common occurrences in war. Elder Qiao, Elder Wu, no need to take it to heart, no need to take it to heart, haha!"

Though these words sounded like consolation, the pride in that tone was obvious to anyone.

Hearing this, Qiao Hongyun's expression darkened several shades. He glared fiercely at Shen Xiuyong but was momentarily speechless, unable to voice any rebuttal.

Facts spoke louder than eloquence. Under the watchful eyes of all, Chen Lin had indeed been defeated, and defeated decisively.

Chen Qing flicked his wrist. The Coiling Cloud Spear silently withdrew behind him.

"Senior Brother Chen, I yield. In that final clash just now, senior brother's Vast Sea true qi rebound force was astonishing. This junior almost failed to completely dissolve it. I admire you."

After all, this was the Sea Sand Sect's territory. Chen Qing's words naturally needed to be restrained.

Especially now with hundreds of gazes fixed on him, this 'outsider.'

Moreover, though these words were polite, they weren't entirely false.

Chen Lin's final sword "Vast Sea Immeasurable" had tremendous power. If not for his Eight Extremes Vajra Body reaching the Tiger Elephant realm, he would likely have sustained some light injuries.

This duel only displayed sixty percent of his strength. There would be room to maneuver later. His true trump cards had not been revealed.

Chen Qing thought to himself.

A trace of complexity flashed through Chen Lin's eyes. Finally, he gave a bitter smile and borrowed strength to stand up.

"Junior Brother Chen's martial arts are superb, your spear technique divine. Chen... admits defeat wholeheartedly!"

He steadied himself and cupped his fists, "Today's battle has benefited me greatly. If there's an opportunity in the future, I'll seek junior brother's guidance again!"

Chen Lin's words were sincere. That spear strike just now had given him substantial gains.

This statement earned secret nods of approval from quite a few elders at the field's edge.

Not arrogant in victory, not discouraged in defeat, this was the bearing a great sect's elite should have.

Chen Qing also cupped his fists in return, "Senior brother's sword technique is exquisite. It has also greatly broadened this junior's horizons. I respectfully await your visit anytime."

The exchange between the two somewhat diluted the rather awkward atmosphere in the field.

But everyone knew that after today, the name Chen Qing would spread throughout the entire Sea Sand Sect at extremely rapid speed, and even throughout all of Lin'an Prefecture, becoming a name requiring high attention in all young generation experts' hearts.

The crowd gradually dispersed from the martial training ground's shock. Elder Wu Hui personally came forward to support Chen Lin, then led him away to treat his injuries.

Qiao Hongyun looked at Shen Xiuyong's expression of wanting to laugh yet forcibly holding it in, and snorted without good humor.

"What are you looking at? It's getting late. As an elder of the Sea Sand Sect, have you prepared the good wine and good food? Surely you won't let my junior nephew go hungry?" Shen Xiuyong said mockingly.

Qiao Hongyun glared at him, "You won't go without! Follow me!"

With that, he turned to give a few instructions to disciples beside him, specifically naming several people, "Call Mao Cheng, Shao Wenxuan, Mo Xia and the others to accompany us."

The banquet was set in a waterside pavilion. Outside the windows, the evening colors gradually merged, the sea of clouds dyed by sunset clouds. The scenery was excellent.

Soon, various delicacies flowed up like water. The most eye-catching was a large platter of roasted exotic beast deer meat, fragrant with sizzling fat.

The meat presented an enticing pink color with clear texture, emanating a rich aroma combining exotic spices and the meat's own mellow richness, making mouths water.

"Junior Brother Chen, try our Lin'an Prefecture's specialty, Cloud Ridge Spotted Deer."

As the only female disciple present, Mo Xia took the initiative to offer hospitality, "These deer are now specially raised by sects. Though they don't match truly wild ones for spiritual qi abundance, the meat is delicate and tender with a unique flavor. It's difficult to taste in the outside world."

After thanking her, Chen Qing used silver chopsticks to pick up a piece and put it in his mouth.

The instant the deer meat entered his mouth, the meat quality was extremely tender, almost melting on contact. The plump meat juices mixed with specially prepared sauce's salty fragrance and a hint of aftertaste instantly conquered his taste buds.

The flavor had rich layers. It was indeed a supreme delicacy he had never experienced before.

"How is it?" Mao Cheng asked with a smile, clearly quite confident in his home specialty.

After carefully savoring it, Chen Qing sincerely praised, "The fragrance lingers on lips and teeth with endless aftertaste. This is truly the finest I've tasted in my life. Its reputation is well deserved."

His words were absolutely not mere politeness. The deer meat's deliciousness exceeded imagination.

Seeing he liked it, Mo Xia smiled charmingly, "If Junior Brother Chen likes it, I'll have someone slaughter and prepare it later, and pack dozens of jin for you to take back and enjoy slowly."

Hearing this, Chen Qing was indeed quite moved. This delicacy was truly difficult to refuse. He cupped his fists, "In that case, many thanks for Senior Sister Mo's generous gift."

During the banquet, the atmosphere gradually warmed.

Qiao Hongyun and Shen Xiuyong continued to undermine and bicker with each other endlessly, from their youthful travels together to arguing about whose breakthrough to True Aura caused greater commotion, causing everyone to laugh repeatedly. But it was also clear the two had extremely deep friendship.

Mao Cheng, Shao Wenxuan, and Mo Xia were all very friendly and polite to Chen Qing, their words filled with admiration and desire to establish connections.

They were all Sea Sand Sect's top elites with their own bearing, showing genuine respect from the heart for the strength Chen Qing displayed.

During conversation, Chen Qing learned that the Sea Sand Sect Sect Master Candidate ranked first, Zheng Fu, had left several months ago to travel and seek an opportunity to break through to True Aura. He was currently not in the sect.

Chen Qing also raised his cup, "This visit was hasty and incomplete. Next time if several senior brothers and sisters have leisure to come to Yunlin Prefecture, please notify Chen. Let me fulfill my duties as host."

Everyone naturally accepted with smiles. Host and guests were all pleased.

After eating and drinking their fill, Qiao Hongyun personally led Shen Xiuyong and Chen Qing to the quiet guest courtyard already arranged.

Watching the two walk arm in arm saying they wanted to drink another cup of sobering tea and continue catching up, Mo Xia couldn't help muttering to herself nearby, "These two elders clearly fight like roosters when they meet, yet turn around and get along well enough to wear the same pants. Truly strange."

Hearing this, Chen Qing only smiled. This was the way good friends interacted. Outsiders indeed found it hard to understand.

Seeing Shen Xiuyong and Qiao Hongyun leave, Chen Qing remembered something and inquired of Mo Xia who hadn't yet departed, "Senior Sister Mo, may I ask where Steward Li Yuan of your honorable sect currently resides? I wish to pay him a visit."

"Li Yuan?"

Mo Xia was slightly surprised, "You mean that Steward Li from Mountain Ridge Pavilion?"

"Precisely." Chen Qing nodded.

Mo Xia asked curiously, "What business does Junior Brother Chen have with him?"

Why would Chen Qing be looking for a Sea Sand Sect steward?

"Nothing important."

Chen Qing's tone was calm, "Just some private matters. We're old acquaintances. Passing through here, I should naturally pay a visit."

Seeing he seemed unwilling to say more, Mo Xia smiled and didn't press further, readily saying, "I see. The stewards' courtyards are all in that southern area. Steward Li's courtyard I remember is at... hmm, walk straight along this road, and after you see a bamboo grove, turn left at the third building. I'll take you there."

"Much obliged, senior sister."

Mo Xia led Chen Qing for a short distance, pointed out the specific location, then very tactfully took her leave.

Chen Qing followed as directed and soon found the small courtyard Mo Xia had indicated.

The courtyard gate was ajar with lamplight shining from within.

He stood before the gate and gently knocked on the door.

Tap tap tap.

Soon, light footsteps came from inside the courtyard. The door creaked open a crack and a maid peeked out, curiously examining Chen Qing, "May I ask whom you're looking for?"

"Five Terraces Sect's Chen Qing, here to visit Steward Li Yuan and Senior Sister Zhou Yu." Chen Qing answered gently.

The maid was clearly unfamiliar with this name, but seeing Chen Qing's distinguished bearing, she didn't dare be negligent and hurriedly said, "Please wait a moment. I'll go announce you immediately."

Before long, hurried footsteps came from inside the courtyard, much faster than the maid's light steps earlier.

Li Yuan led the way, almost running over, with Zhou Yu following close behind.

Both their faces showed expressions of disbelief, especially Li Yuan. His emotions from daytime at Mountain Ridge Pavilion seemed not yet fully settled. Now personally seeing Chen Qing, who had shone brilliantly at the martial training ground and attracted everyone's attention, actually standing outside his humble courtyard gate, a trace of shock and trepidation floated in his eyes.

Zhou Yu was the same. Her beautiful eyes widened as she looked at Chen Qing outside the gate, as if still confirming whether this was an illusion.

That earth-shattering spear from daytime, that heroic bearing overwhelming the Sea Sand Sect's proud son Chen Lin, overlapping and colliding with the memory of that silent and resolute youth in Zhou Courtyard of Gaolin County, made her heart surge with emotion beyond control.

"Senior Li, senior sister, it's been a long time."

Chen Qing looked at the two, a gentle smile appearing on his face as he cupped his fists in salute.

"I wouldn't dare! Absolutely wouldn't dare!"

Li Yuan hastily stepped aside, waving his hands repeatedly. His face piled with an extremely complex smile containing seven parts trepidation, two parts awkwardness, and one part flattered surprise.

"The title 'senior' truly brings shame to this Li! Your Excellency is the Five Terraces Sect's Chief Disciple with noble status. These words are truly too heavy, too heavy!"

He was crystal clear in his heart. Chen Qing's current status and position far exceeded his own. That he could still address him as "senior" was entirely for the sake of brother-in-law Zhou Liang, remembering that tiny bit of old incense bond.

This polite address instead made him even more ashamed.

Zhou Yu also recovered her senses. Bright light floated in her eyes as she quickly stepped aside to clear the path, "Junior brother, don't stand outside anymore. Please come in and sit!"

"Right, right, right. Look at me, I'm all confused! Please come in, Chief Disciple Chen, please come in!"

Li Yuan awoke as from a dream and hurriedly bowed to usher in the guest, his posture extremely low.

Chen Qing nodded with a smile and stepped into the small courtyard.

The Sea Sand Sect steward's treatment was indeed excellent. This independent small courtyard was quiet and elegant. The ground was paved with smooth bluestone slabs. A few stalks of green bamboo were planted in the corner, swaying gently in the wind, producing rustling sounds.

There was also a small pond in the courtyard with several koi swimming within.

The main hall plus east and west wing rooms had a regular layout. Though not luxurious, everywhere revealed carefully maintained comfort and respectability.

Besides the maid who opened the door, another waited under the corridor, showing there were servants available.

Under Li Yuan and Zhou Yu's guidance, the three passed through the small courtyard and entered the main guest hall arranged quite elegantly and warmly.

They sat as host and guests. A maid soon served fragrant tea.

Li Yuan held the teacup in both hands, trying to make his tone seem natural, his face full of apologetic smiles, "Chief Disciple Chen's bearing at the martial training ground today was truly breathtaking! This Li... this Li truly was blind. Back then I actually... actually..."

He spoke halfway but really couldn't continue, his face flushed red with embarrassment, his heart full of anxiety, afraid Chen Qing held a grudge.

Chen Qing was intelligent enough to naturally understand the meaning in his words, fearing he harbored resentment.

He truly hadn't dwelt excessively on this matter.

Back then when Li Yuan brought Zhou Yu to enter the Sea Sand Sect, one quota had already been extremely difficult, barely achieved through mobilizing connections and finances.

He himself had no kinship with Li Yuan. That Li chose to prioritize caring for his close niece was human nature, beyond reproach.

Demanding that Li Yuan must have seen his "potential" at that time and invested fully would be too much to ask.

Thus, Chen Qing smiled, his tone peaceful as he said, "Steward Li speaks too seriously. That matter back then, circumstances determined it. Chen Qing understands in his heart and has never thought otherwise. Looking at it now, each had their own fate. No need to mention it again."

Hearing these words, especially feeling the sincerity and calm in Chen Qing's tone, Li Yuan's suspended heart finally dropped heavily back in place. He let out a long breath. His back was actually startled into a layer of fine sweat.

He then laughed self-mockingly in his heart. That's right. With Chen Qing's current status and strength, his horizons had long changed. How could he still haggle over that insignificant old matter from years ago?

His anxiety made him seem petty.

After chatting casually about sect scenery and Lin'an Prefecture experiences for a few sentences, Li Yuan saw that Chen Qing and Zhou Yu might have things to discuss. He found an excuse and rose, "Chief Disciple Chen and Little Yu haven't seen each other for many years. You must have much to say. I still have some miscellaneous affairs to handle. Please excuse me for a moment."

With that, he politely withdrew, also waving away the maids in the hall, leaving them a quiet space.

For a time, only Chen Qing and Zhou Yu remained in the hall. The atmosphere seemed more relaxed.

Zhou Yu looked at Chen Qing before her, whose bearing was steady and completely different from memory, her eyes still containing astonishment and emotion, softly saying, "I really... really never expected that Junior Brother Chen, you're now the Five Terraces Sect's Chief Disciple."

A trace of daze filled her tone, "If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes today, I simply wouldn't dare believe... the Five Terraces Sect's Chief Disciple, that is... that is what kind of figure..."

For a woman of her background from a county town martial artist family, this status was like the clouds, unreachably distant.

Compared to Zhou Yu's complex emotions, Chen Qing appeared very relaxed, simply meeting an old friend after long separation.

"Senior sister need not sigh. It's merely coincidental fortune."

He smiled, "Speaking of which, senior sister, how have these years at the Sea Sand Sect been for you? Is everything well?"

"Mm, everything is fine."

Zhou Yu nodded, showing a gentle smile, "After all, uncle is a steward here and cares for me quite well. Though my aptitude is not considered good within the sect, I don't lack the cultivation resources I should have. It's much better than many ordinary disciples without support."

She was very clear that without Uncle Li Yuan, with her aptitude, she probably couldn't even enter the Sea Sand Sect's mountain gate.

The two chatted about past and present. The atmosphere was harmonious.

When old friends met, there were always endless topics, especially recalling the times at Zhou Courtyard in Gaolin County.

Chen Qing perceived that Zhou Yu had also undergone considerable changes.

Though her temperament remained gentle, she seemed to have shed some of her former innocence. A trace of light melancholy gathered between her brows. She wasn't as lively as before.

But upon reflection, he felt at ease. Time flowed, circumstances rose and fell. The years never stopped for anyone. How could one expect anyone to remain completely unchanged?

"Back then..."

Zhou Yu covered her mouth and laughed lightly, nostalgia flowing in her eyes, "Almost no one in the courtyard believed you could break through to transforming strength first. Everyone thought the most likely was Junior Brother Qin Lie."

Chen Qing also laughed and nodded in agreement, "Yes, Junior Brother Qin Lie had excellent talent. He was indeed the most promising seedling in the courtyard at that time to break through to transforming strength."

Following the conventional path and enduring several years, Qin Lie's hope of breaking through to transforming strength was indeed greatest.

"But who could have imagined,"

Zhou Yu looked at him with endless emotion, "In the end, it was you, Junior Brother Chen, who made no sound yet walked to this stage today, leaving everyone far behind."

Looking back carefully now, Chen Qing's path of rising always seemed like this, completing astonishing leaps without a word. By the time everyone noticed, they couldn't even see his back.

Chen Qing was also quite moved, "Speaking of which, I haven't seen Master and Senior Brother Sun Shun and the others for a long time either. I should find time to return to Gaolin County."

The two chatted casually for a while longer, exchanging feelings after separation.

Seeing the sky gradually darken, Chen Qing rose to take his leave.

Zhou Yu accompanied him all the way to the small courtyard gate.

Moonlight like water sprinkled on the quiet courtyard.

"Senior sister, please stay."

Chen Qing stopped at the gate, turned to Zhou Yu and said, "In the future at the Sea Sand Sect, if you encounter any difficulties, you can have someone send a letter to me at the Five Terraces Sect's Qingmu Courtyard anytime. If I can help, I definitely won't decline."

"Alright, I'll remember. Thank you, junior brother."

Zhou Yu's heart warmed as she nodded gently.

"Junior brother!"

Just as Chen Qing turned to leave, Zhou Yu suddenly called out to him again.

Chen Qing turned back, casting an inquiring gaze, "What is it, senior sister?"

Zhou Yu seemed to want to say something, but a thousand words reaching her lips only transformed into a somewhat forced smile, "Nothing... nothing. Be careful on the road. Take care!"

She watched Chen Qing's upright figure in the moonlight, in a daze feeling as if an invisible, insurmountable chasm separated them. They were already people of two different worlds.

Chen Qing smiled, saying gently, "Senior sister, take care as well."

With that, he turned and left. His figure quickly melted into the night, disappearing at the end of the bluestone path.

Zhou Yu stood alone at the courtyard gate, gazing in the direction he disappeared for a long time without moving, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

She couldn't help recalling the daytime scene. Chen Qing standing there, composed and graceful amid conversation, radiating brilliance, perfectly matching all her youthful fantasies, yet also completely and forever unrelated to her.